Sowetan reports that the government’s push to enrol more pupils at the country’s 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges has been dealt a severe blow.

Student numbers will have to be reduced by almost 139,000 over three years because of a R4.3bn budget cut. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has revealed that the TVET sector’s budget for the period April 2021 to March 2024 has been cut by a massive R4.3bn, which includes a R3bn cut in staff salaries. Other budgetary cuts include R300.4m from the subsidy granted to colleges, R70.4m to the budget for new campuses and R928.5m from the TVET infrastructure and efficiency budget. Responding to a parliamentary question, Nzimande said: “A reduced budget will restrict access to TVET colleges for many students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby worsening the challenges of escaping the generational trap of poverty.” He said the department has been supporting TVET colleges in developing strategies to overcome the difficulties caused by the contracting budget. “The department has identified the need for TVET colleges to expand access by developing partnerships with both private and public sector enterprises and has incorporated this as a performance target for colleges to achieve,” he explained. But, IFP MP Mthokozisi Nxumalo noted the following disparity: “You encourage learners to go to TVET colleges, but you are cutting down on your intake.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender on page 4 of Sowetan of 1 July 2021

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